We see an angel blowing its trumpet, calling the dead to arise. Some say that the angel is Gabriel. Several people stand in their coffins, arms raised, ready to receive their Judgement. All the coffins seem to be on water – which symbolizes Spirit. Earthly concerns have ended.
These people are all naked. All reason to hide has passed. There is nothing left but to stand and be judged.
This card has sometimes been called the Last Judgement. That is suggestive of the possibility of condemnation. It seems to me that Judgement is more about a reckoning, taking inventory.
Certainly it represents a reckoning to help the souls take stock of what has transpired. It is an accounting of the spirit. Some call it a moral inventory. Its purpose is not to affix blame, but rather to learn what are your strengths and weaknesses, where you got it right, and where there is room for improvement. It is for correction, not punishment.
Keywords: Reckoning. Accounting of the soul. Moral inventory.